The R&A has announced Prize money will be increased for the 2011 Open Championship. In 2011, the prize fund will rise to £5 million, with the Champion receiving £900,000.
The Open Champion’s purse has been increased by over 5%, from last year’s figure of £850,000. The total prize fund remained at £4.2 million for 2007, 2008 and 2009, before being increased to £4.8 million for the 150th Anniversary Open, last year.
“Each year The R&A strives to ensure that The Open provides the very best in all areas of the event,” said The R&A’s Chief Executive, Peter Dawson. “From spectator and media facilities, to player experience and performance reward, every aspect of The Open is under regular review to ensure it remains at the forefront of championship golf.”
There is less than one week remaining in which to purchase Open Championship tickets at advance-purchase prices. Until the end of June, daily tickets for the 2011 Championship at Royal St George’s are available for £55, while season tickets, permitting entry on all eight days, cost £220.
For just £110, a family of five can enjoy a day at golf’s oldest Major, by taking advantage of The R&A’s established ticketing policy, which grants free access to any juvenile, aged 16 or under, who is accompanied by a paying adult. Those travelling from the capital on Championship days can also take advantage of Southeastern’s ‘Kids for a Quid’ promotion, which allows accompanied five to 15-year-olds to travel to the venue for just £1.
With International Marquee tickets sold out for the four Championship days, limited numbers of Wednesday tickets are still available. Hospitality can also still be purchased, with Open Championship Official Hospitality fine-dining packages remaining on sale for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Half-price entry to The Senior Open Championship, which is being held the following week at Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey, will be granted on production of a valid Open Championship admission ticket.
The Open Championship www.opengolf.com